Open architecture puts clients first – with access, choice, and transparency. Here’s how it works in Switzerland for HNWIs and UHNWIs.
Definition of Open Architecture
Open architecture in wealth management means your bank or independent adviser is not limited to in-house products. They can choose investments from many providers. The goal: shape the portfolio around the client – not force the client into a product shelf.
This contrasts with closed architecture, where product selection is restricted, often to a bank’s own funds or a narrow list. In Switzerland, open architecture is now a marker of independence, alignment, and professional standards.
Why Open Architecture Matters in Switzerland
Switzerland serves international clients with complex needs. HNWIs and UHNWIs want open access, solid due diligence, and cross-border expertise. Open architecture meets these needs by linking Swiss stability with global opportunities.
- Client expectations: independence, transparency, and best execution.
- Market depth: access to global funds, ETFs, alternatives, and private markets.
- Regulatory clarity: Swiss rules emphasise suitability, disclosure, and governance.
Key Benefits for Clients
- Wider choice: third-party funds, boutiques, private equity, private credit, real assets, and niche strategies.
- Better alignment: fewer conflicts versus in-house only; advice centred on client outcomes.
- Transparent fees: more precise cost lines and the ability to negotiate institutional pricing.
- Deeper diversification: asset classes, managers, styles, currencies, and geographies.
- Personalisation: add ESG, themes, and liquidity levels tailored to life events.
- Consolidated view: multi-bank reporting and performance attribution in one place.
How Swiss Wealth Managers Apply Open Architecture
Swiss private banks and independent wealth managers use external custodian banks. They also rely on open-architecture platforms and institutional research. The operating model focuses on selection, monitoring, and reporting:
- Screen & select: manager research, quantitative filters, and qualitative due diligence.
- Access & execute: best-in-class vehicles (funds, SMAs, co-investments) through open platforms.
- Monitor & govern: ongoing risk, cost, and performance reviews against mandate objectives.
- Report & consolidate: position-level aggregation across banks with clear performance drivers.
Technology such as fintech data pipes, model portfolios, and API-based reporting makes open architecture scalable. It also keeps control and oversight in Switzerland.
Challenges and Considerations
- Due diligence: manager skill, capacity, liquidity, governance, and counterparty risk.
- Costs & retrocessions: complete transparency on fees, share classes, and any rebates.
- Integration: precise data, accurate positions, fair values, and a complete audit trail.
- Suitability & documentation: mandates, investor profiles, and cross-border rules.
Client Perspective – What to Ask Your Adviser
- Do you offer only your own products or also third-party options?
- How do you manage conflicts of interest? How do you show your choices are unbiased?
- Can I obtain a single report that covers all my bank accounts?
- What fees will I pay? Do you keep any retrocessions? Which share class will you use, and why?
- What is your due diligence process for private markets and alternative strategies?
Conclusion – A Swiss Competitive Edge
Open architecture is now a core feature of professional wealth management in Switzerland. For discerning clients, it delivers breadth, alignment, and control. For advisers, it shows independence and a client-first approach.
Next step: explore how open architecture fits your mandate. Start with a brief review of your current portfolio and reporting.
👉 Prefer a quick benchmark? Compare open-architecture options with a short discovery call. Request a consultation or explore related insights on vapa.ch.
FAQs
What is open architecture in wealth management?
It is an approach where your adviser can select investments from external providers rather than only in-house products.
Why is open architecture important in Switzerland?
International clients expect independence, transparency, and global access. Open architecture meets these expectations.
Does open architecture reduce conflicts of interest?
It helps align portfolio construction with client objectives by widening the universe and improving fee transparency.
Can I have consolidated reporting across multiple banks?
Yes. Many Swiss managers offer multi-bank reporting to view all positions, risks, and performance in one report.
Is open architecture suitable for UHNWIs and family offices?
Yes. It is well-suited to complex mandates that require access to specialist managers and private market opportunities.
Related Reading
- Independent wealth management in Switzerland
- Discretionary vs advisory mandates
- Consolidated wealth reporting
